Hello everyone! First of all, I want to announce that the winner of drawing for this week’s giveaway is Theresa! Congratulations! And thanks to all who subscribed and commented on my blog this week.

I hope that you are able to find some peace and stillness during this hectic time of year. This past week has been busy as I finished up and delivered some Christmas orders. (I have the extra scarves in my shop). Yesterday, I made an apron for my toddler, as a prototype for the ones that I plan to make today for my niece and nephew (twins) who are three months older than Em is. I also need to make some Christmas stockings to fill with stocking stuffers for our family and a few other gifts before Christmas! I got my shopping done early this year, but I am definitely behind on my Christmas sewing projects!

I was going to share a sewing tutorial with you today, but I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable gift that my cousin, Cara, gave to us this week.

Cara and her sister, Kelsie, have always enjoyed drawing and throughout their younger years gave me many handwritten notes and pictures that they drew. Most of them contained pictures of teapots, teacups, and tea parties because having tea together was something that we all enjoyed! When I was unpacking boxes after a recent move, I came across a few of the items from them that I had saved. It brought back happy memories.

Cara also draws pictures of animals, especially dogs, and even has a creative business called, Paws and Whiskers Portraits. A few months ago, she gave us this colorful drawing of our dog, Obi.

In addition to being an artist, she may be the most fun babysitter ever. Last month, she showed up at our door, carrying a literal “Box of Fun.”

It has been fun to see life come full circle. When I was a little girl, I absolutely loved spending time with Cara’s dad, my uncle Glenn. And then when I was in my early adulthood, I spent time with Kelsie and Cara in their little years. Now, Kelsie is in college, and Cara is in high school, and my girls adore them (and my aunt and uncle, too) and look forward to spending time with them as much as possible.

The gift that Cara gave us is special to me, not only because it is cute, but because of the love that went into it. Handmade gifts are the best! It isn’t about the gift, but about the person who gave it.

Have you ever received a handmade gift that has meant a lot to you?

A Heartwarming Christmas Gift